The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has initiated the process of relocating residents of Nuwalege Community along the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike issued directives for the Department of Development Control to engage community leaders, as approximately 200 houses are slated for relocation due to the planned expansion.
Mukhtar Galadima, the Director of the Department of Development Control, revealed that the decision followed a request from the Nigerian Air Force about a month ago. Minister Wike, acknowledging the FCTA’s responsibility, intervened and requested the administration to handle the relocation.
Speaking during a community and citizens’ engagement on Tuesday, Galadima stated, “We have to do a community and citizens’ engagement, which is why we are here today to discuss with the community, and to tell them of our intention because it will be unfair to bring the machine here and start removing their houses.”
Out of the 200 houses affected, approximately 150 have attached stores. Galadima emphasized the need to confirm that the community has been duly compensated. He expressed concerns about the security of the area in relation to the planned relocation of the presidential fleet, highlighting potential risks posed by individuals with malicious intent.
Galadima concluded, “So, we will see, if there is that urgent desire to remove part of this community, we will do it,” emphasizing the careful consideration of security aspects and the necessity to engage the FCT Department of Resettlement and Compensation along with the Nigerian Air Force in further investigations.